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1. When do I need a permit?

Whenever a building is altered a building permit is required. A licensed contractor is required for new residential construction, and the homeowner may apply for some permits. Examples of work requiring a permit include, but are not limited to:

• For any new construction (houses, garages, and storage buildings 120 square feet or more) 


• Finishing a basement 


• Re-siding / re-shingling 


• Building decks 


• Replacing windows / doors 


• Remodeling involving drywall, kitchen cabinets, or vanity replacement


• Building a fence

2. Does the City do mold inspections in homes or apartments?

The City does not do mold inspections. A policy was adopted in 2008 because the building inspectors are not experts in mold and they have not received any training in mitigation of mold. All complaints should be referred to the Minnesota Department of Health. Click here to see the policy on mold inspections.

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1. Do I need a City license or permit?

To find out if you need a City license, please visit License and Permits. All licenses and permits will be listed along with the fee. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact our office at (218) 773-2483.

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1. How do I find out the balance of my Special Assessments and how do I pay them off?

The balance of Special Assessments can be found on the Documents page. Properties are listed in parcel order or can be searched by the owner’s name. Balances can also be received by calling the Finance Office at (218) 773-2483.

All Special Assessments can be paid in the Finance / Administration Office located on the second floor of City Hall. We currently accept cash, checks, or credit cards that are Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.

Special Assessments must be paid by the last business day in November of the current year in order for them to be removed off your next year’s taxes. The only exception to this is if it is specifically stated in a notice sent from the Administration Office when an assessment roll is adopted with less than 30 days until the end of November.

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1. Does the East Grand Forks Fire Department provide 24-hour fire and medical service?

Yes, the Fire Department has full-time staff along with part-time firefighters that provide 24-hour coverage not only in the City but also in the surrounding seven townships. We cover 188 miles around the City.

2. Are carbon monoxide detectors required in all Minnesota residences including apartments?

Yes, Minnesota law requires carbon monoxide detectors in all residences including existing homes. For more information, please visit Minnesota State Fire Marshal.

3. How do you come up with a fire escape plan?

Due to each home being designed differently, you need to draw a floor plan of your home and find what exits work best for your family. Remember that windows should only be used as a last resort. You must also practice you escape plan so everyone is familiar with it.

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1. What is the flood crest prediction?

The forecasts from the National Weather Service are composed of multiple variables including, but not limited to, snow pack, precipitation, temperature, and ground saturation. The projections are typically expressed in terms of both a projected crest level and the percentage chances of reaching that level. To view the current projections, please visit the attached link. More...

2. Am I in the flood zone?

No East Grand Forks residents within the levee are in the flood zone. The levee has been certified with the Corp of Engineers.

3. Is there documentation to prove that I'm no longer in the flood zone?

Yes, please see the attached document from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). More...

4. Does the City plan to raise its levee heights?

The US Army Corps of Engineers has certified the City's flood protection system up to 60 feet. The City will consult with the US Army Corps of Engineers in the unlikely event that additional protection is necessary.

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1. How do I apply for housing assistance?

Interested persons need to submit a completed application and the appropriate consent forms, including authorization for criminal background check. Successful applicants are then added to the Housing Authority's waiting list. Applications are available either online or at:
City Hall
600 DeMers Ave.
East Grand Forks, MN 56721

2. How long will I be on the waiting list before I receive a voucher?

There is a great need for the housing subsidy. The Housing Choice Voucher Program is not an entitlement program. It is a limited resource and no one is guaranteed to receive a voucher.

The Housing Authority has established preferences to ensure that those with the greatest need are the first served. Generally, an accepted applicant can expect to wait approximately four to six months for a voucher if they are in the top preference group.

Those with lower preference could wait one to two years or longer. You may apply to more than one housing authority's waiting list.

3. Does the Housing Authority help pay deposits?

The Housing Authority does not help tenants pay either security deposits or utility deposits. There are other agencies and funding sources that may help you pay required deposits.  The Tri-Valley Opportunity Council can provide assistance with deposits so visit Emergency Services – Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. (tvoc.org) for more information or call (218) 281-5832.  The Grand Forks Salvation Army may also be able to provide assistance.  Visit Programs and Services - Grand Forks Salvation Army for more information or call (701) 775-2597.

The East Grand Forks Food Shelf can provide food assistance.  More information about their organization can be found at East Grand Forks Food Shelf - Home | Facebook or by calling (218) 773-8083.  

Security Deposit Help Information.

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1. How to reserve a Park shelter if you have a special event or gathering?

To reserve a shelter, you must obtain a permit at the Parks and Recreation office
600 DeMers Ave.
East Grand Forks, MN 56721

We keep track of shelters so that there is no doubling up.

2. How do I get trees on the berm and who takes care of them?

Each year in May we plant trees on the berm for those who called our office by January. It is the homeowner's responsibility to care for the tree, which includes trimming.

3. Where do I go to take my drivers test and pay my vehicle license and registration fee?

Driver examination tests are given on Wednesdays at:
Parks & Recreation Maintenance Building
929 Fifth Ave. N.E.
East Grand Forks, MN 56721
218-773-4964

The local branch of Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles is located in: Hardware Hank
1017 Central Ave. N.W.
East Grand Forks, MN 56721

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1. What are the phone numbers for the Polk County Offices?

Polk County Sheriff's Office
Ph: (218) 281-0431

Polk County Clerk of Court
Ph: (218) 281-2332

Tri-County Community Corrections (Jail)
Ph: (218) 470-8100

2. Who do I call for road conditions?

You can call 5-1-1 from any phone or you can access information via the internet. By accessing 5-1-1, you will be prompted with menu choices as to region, city, or specific route and will be given information regarding weather related road conditions, construction, and congestion.

To access 5-1-1 on the internet, please visit:

• Minnesota 5-1-1 


• North Dakota 5-1-1 

3. What are the curfew laws in East Grand Forks?

Minors Under 18
It is unlawful for any minor person under the age of 18 to be on or loiter upon the streets or public places between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 5:00 am.

Minors Under 16
It is unlawful for any minor person under the age of 16 to be or loiter upon the streets or public places between the hours of 10:30 pm and 5:00 am.

Parents & Guardians
It is unlawful for any parent, guardian, or other person having the legal care or custody of any minor person to allow or permit such minor person to violate the above ordinances unless such minor person is accompanied by a person of lawful age.

Exceptions
Such curfews shall not apply to any students under the age of 18 who are lawfully attending; going to; or returning from school, church, or community-sponsored athletic, musical, or social activities or events. Curfew also does not apply where the presence of a minor is connected with or required by some legitimate business, trade, profession, or occupation in which said minor is permitted by law to be engaged.

4. Where is the Department of Motor Vehicles?

The DMV is located in the Hardware Hank building on Central Ave. Their number is 218-773-7535

5. How do I obtain a copy of a Police Report?

Police Reports are available to those involved in the incident by coming to the EGFPD and filling out a "Request for Information" form. There is no charge.

You can also submit a Request for Information online, but you'll have to sign it in person.

Request for Information

6. How do I purchase a pistol in MN?

You will need to fill out a MN Permit to Purchase. Once complete, turn it in to the Police Department, with a copy of your driver's license.
Link here: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/bca/bca-divisions/administrative/Documents/Permit-to-Purchase-Transfer-Application.pdf

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1. What do I do with hazardous waste accumulated at my house?

Hazardous waste disposal is done the first week in May and first week in October. Please check back during that time frame for exact dates and times. For more information, please contact Public Works at (218) 773-1313.

2. How do I know what my garbage / recycling day is during a holiday week?

Please check the current 2020 Sanitation Calendar

Sanitation Calendar.

3. What are the rates for items to be picked up from my home?

View the the Sanitation Calendar.

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1. Who can join the Senior Center?

Anyone can attend events or meals at the center. You must be 50 years old to become a voting member. Membership is just $20 per year. You must be 60 years old to have a reduced meal cost.

2. Where is the Senior Center located?

The EGF Senior Center is located at 538 Rhinehart Drive Southeast on the point in East Grand Forks.

3. What activities might interest me at the Senior Center?

We have activities planned every day, including whist, pinochle, bridge, smear, bingo, and dominoes.

We have a foot clinic twice a month, a weekly blood pressure check, Bone Builders, and line dancing. Every month we have an evening meal and a live dance band. Additional events are always being planned.

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1. What do I do if my street is flooding?

During working hours contact the Storm Water Department at (218) 773-2442, or after hours at (218) 773-1105.

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1. How do I get utility service if I am moving to East Grand Forks?

Come into our Business Office in City Hall at 600 DeMers Avenue to fill out an application and set up a utility account.

2. Why is my bill higher than last month?

Your water or electric consumption have probably increased. Do you have a toilet that is malfunctioning? Are you using anything different that heats or cools than you have in past months? Are you using a dehumidifier? These are only a few suggestions. For more information, please call the Business Office at (218) 773-1163 and talk to a Customer Service Representative.

3. Do you have any energy efficient rebates?

Yes we do, you can get a listing of them along with the information and applications on this website or call (218) 773-1163.